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May 5, 1942. J. s. OTT

TOY AIRPLANE CONSTRUCTION Filed May 24, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 0 2 G 2 I 6 w m 3 1 1 A m a 1 2|.

4 3 .5 El I1 5 4 M 2 2 H 1m 2 l 0 Ma I "I77 3 6 2 m. r w.

4 I 8 WT L 9 3 y I 4 2 \W W 5 8 0 9 3 r INVEN-T OR. JOSEPH S. OTT. BY

. ATTORNEI.

Faiente d May 5, 1942 as it 'FFIQE Joseph S. on. Qhicago, liil to due on. Mannifacturing 60., @hicag'o. lllit, a corporation Application may 2%, w ll, hi 395,635.35

(E11. liu -5%) formly, and much more rapidly without requiring any appreciable skill or experience.

Miniature'knockdown structures such as toy airplanes and the like having hollow bodies have been commercially exploited for many years as kit containing parts with instructions for us sembling. The parts that are supplied together with the instructions entail a great deal of labor, time and skill in order to result in a structure conforming to the design for which the parts are supplied. It is customary to furnish elements of a miniature structure so that each will be see mented by the purchaser from. the sheet of material having the segmented parts imprinted thereon. This involves cutting out operatiom that are tedious, require ski l and entail appreciable time which usually discourages all but the very experienced.

Then, too, the degree of success attained in producing aminiature structure is largely dependent upon the skill of the assembler so that the miniature toy building industry while substantial in extent, has not been as widespread as would otherwise be possible with the elimination of appreciable amounts of time, labor, skill in the building and assembling operations, and the as-' surance of uniformity so that the resultant struc-= ture will conform to the design for which it was originally intended in shape, exact contour, operating qualities and appearance.

The assembly of hollow bodies has proven ditflcult and this is especially true in knockdown toy structures which interests youngsters oi inex= perience, lacking judgment, and limited shill. With the teachings of the present invention, hollow bodies including appendages thereto can be readily shaped, quickly assembled uni formly produced without entailing any appreciable labor, skill and time. Simple expedients that accomplish these results are especially ad vantageous in knock-down toy structures owing to the inability of providing any expensive tools, jigs, extended instruction or other requirements that are taken into consideration on full size devices for commercial and useful purposes.

One object of the present invention is to simplify the construction and improve the formation oi hollow bodies for miniature knockdown bodies.

Another object is to provide improved formers for hollow in order to enable their structure without entailing any appreciable labor, time or shill.

i ltill another object is to provide improved intesral formers capable of ready application to a frame so that a body defining skin or cover may be readily applied thereto.

A further object is to provide improved integral formers capable of adjustable association with a frame to define the external contour of a hollow body.

A. still further object is to provide body formers stamped or otherwise shaped from inexpensive sheet material to provide for adjustable telescenic association thereof with the frame serving as a support therefor.

till a further object is to provide an improved frame structure for hollow bodies to afiord the assembly thereof without entailing any appreciable labor, time, expense or skill.

Uther objects and advantages will appear from the following description of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a side view in elevation of a frame structure for a hollow body.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a fuselage frame element comprising spaced side members of the type shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a side view in elevation of a rudder structure for toy airplanes embodying features of the present invention. W

Figures a to 13 inclusive comprise integral formers capable oi adjustable telescopic association with the frames shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure M is a side view in elevation of a model airplane fuselage and wings assembled in accordance with the teachings ofv the present invention.

Figure 15 is a sectional view taken substantially along line away at Figure 3.

Figure id is a sectional view taken substantially along line XVI-XVI of Figure 14.

Figure l! is a fragmentary plan view of a wing stnicture showing the frame in a manner embodyins features of the present invention.

Figure 18 is a sectional view taken substantially along line xvm-xvm of Figure 17.

Figure 19 is a plan view of a stabilizer em bodying features of the present invention.

Figure 20 is a modified embodiment of the The structure selected for illustration com-.

prises a frame element i assembled from side 'members 2 corresponding in shape, size and construction to comprise the major structures of a hollow body frame such as a fuselage l3 of a toy airplane. Each of the frame elements |0|l comprise, in this instance, elongated top rail H which is vertically spaced from a bottom rail i5 having a horizontal portion that merges with a short upwardly inclined forward portion 6 and a comparatively longer upwardly inclined rear portion l'l. The rails il-IS are preferably though not essentially of soft and yieldable balsa wood to enable slight curvatures and bends, especially with the aid of slits i8 and I9 provided at the point at which the angularity is changed to facilitate the shaping to impart the desired contour to the frame.

The top rail I4 and bottomrail iii are: maintained, in their desired vertically spaced relation by a plurality of equi-distantly spaced uprights 20, 2|, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 21, 29, 29 and 39, in this instance eleven, disposed therebetween and adhesively joined therewith by suitable adhesives such as transparent glue. The end uprights 20-30 enclose the side members Ill-4|,

the intermediate uprights 2| to 29 and end uprights 20-30 being sized to correspond with the variation in vertical distance between the top rails II and bottom rails i5 of each side member |0--||. 'The side memberslIL-H are maintained in horizontally spaced relation to define a rectangular framework by means of a plurality of uniformly spaced and intermediate cross-members 3|, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40 disposed between the top rails l4 and bottom rails IS in alignment with the uprights 2D to 29 inclusive.

The intermediate cross-members 3|, 32, 33, 3t, 35, 36, 31,38, 39 and 40 are adhe'sively joined at their extremities to provide a framework of rectangular cross-section of varying width in that the top rails I start to converge at the point i 9 where the bottom rails I5 start to incline upwardly toward the rear end 30. With this arrangement, the top rails I4 and bottom rails l5 meet at the rear end upright 30 which serves to vertically space both top rails I4 and bottom rails i5 at their point of contact with each other. It will be apparent, therefore, that the rectangular cross-section of the framework i0 varies in width from the intermediate uprights 25 to the end upright 30 and in depth between the uprights 20-22 and 25-30.

In order to define the exterior contour of the fuselage I3, a plurality of body formers, in this consists ofan integral plate 42 stamped or otherwise shaped from sheet material such 'as cardboard to provide an exterior periphery 43 of the desired contoun'size and shape to conform with the rectangular cross-section ofthe frame element it along the uprights 2| and cross-members 92.

To this end, the body former 42 is provided with a substantially rectangular opening 86 therein which corresponds in cross-section to the size of the frame it along the second upright 2| which is in alignment with the cross-members the rectangular cross-section along uprights 22 instance ten, are provided for pre-arranged association with the frame element l0 as will appe r more fully hereinafter (Figures 4 to 13 inclusive). The body formers comprise, in this instance, a fuselage end defining disc 4| (Figure 13) which, in this instance, is of substantially circular configuration for adhesive application to the forward end defined by the uprights 20 and cross-members 3|. The next body former and cross-members 3d. The next succeeding body former 48 is substantially the same general size as the body former 46, but has a more or less elliptical periphery 99 and a corresponding rectangular opening 39 conforming to the crosssection of the fuselage i3 along uprights 23 and cross-members 3d. The next succeeding body former 5| is of substantially the same shape, but has asomewhat larger periphery 52 and a correspondingly larger rectangular opening 53 that substantially corresponds with the rectangular cross-section along uprights 24 and cross-members 35.

The next succeeding body former 54 is substantially egg-shaped and has a somewhat larger periphery 55 and a correspondingly larger rectangular opening 56 that substantially corresponds with the rectangular cross-section along uprights 25 and cross-members 35. The next succeeding body former 51 is substantially eggshaped and has a somewhat smaller periphery 58 than the former 54 and a correspondingly smaller rectangular opening 59 that substantially corresponds with the rectangular cross-section along uprights 26 and cross-members 37. The next succeeding body former 60 is substantially egg-shaped and has a somewhat smaller periphery 6| and a correspondingly smaller rectangular opening 52 that substantially corresponds with the rectangular cross-section along uprights 21 and cross-members 38. The next succeeding body former 63 is also substantially egg-shaped and has a somewhat smaller periphery 64 and a correspondingly smallerv rectangular opening 65 that substantially corresponds with the rectangular cross-section along uprights 26 and cross-members 39. The next succeeding body former 66 is bullet-shaped and has a somewhat smaller periphery 61 and a correspondingly,

smaller rectangular opening 66 that substantially corresponds with the rectangular cross-section along uprights 29 and cross members 40.

The body members 42 to 66 inclusive are telescoped over the frame I0 and positioned to correspond with the specified uprights and cross members in order to impart an exterior fuselage contour conforming to the streamlined design which is scientifically outlined at the factory and desired for the builder to reproduce from the parts in the kit provided and sold for that purpose. It is desired that the body formers 42 to 86 should be placed at pre-designated positions alongv the top and bottom rails M-IS so that the aligned uprights 20 to 29 inclusive and cross members 3| to 40 inclusive serve toindex the position or each.

These body forming members will be numbered to correspond with the position of the aligned uprights and cross-members so that the builder regardless of experience, skill or capacity will create a structure of the desired outline and configuration to inaction most successfully in accordance with established laws of aerodynamics as well as present a uniiorm streamlined appearonce. The formers 68, 32, 45, 4s, El, 54, 51, 50, 6t and as have their peripheries provided with a series of uniformly spaced notches til that serve to index the position of and as a seat for the rectangular lohgerons ill (Figure 16) that extend longitudinally oi the top and bottom rails it and it for adhesive ioinder-with each ofthe body formers M, :32, iil, 323, i, 5 5?, bit, 83

and

These longerons it extend around these body formers to define exterior tubular body for the skin or cover ll which preferably though not essentially consists of thin paper. The skin or cover it is adhered to the longerons iii by means of a suitable transparent adhesive that serves as a support therefor and defines the outline of the fuselage it together with the other portions of the circular body. it will be observed that the builder has nothing to do in determining the outline 01 the fuselage ill or circular body it other than to see that the formers ii, 42, t5, til, iii, to, El, til and so are in proper sequence and applied at the intended position indexed therefor by the numbers or identifying indicia thereon and the aligned uprights 2b to 29 and cross members 85 to so inclusive.

So that the body formers M, 45, 68, 5!; M, 51,

Ell, 53 and 65 may be capable of application to the correct position along the top and bottom rails It and i5 even though there may be a variation in the cross-sectional dimension thereof, the

corners thereoi so that they may yield to variations in the cross-section of the frame Ill. (30nsequently, it will be a comparatively easy matter for the builder to apply the body formers 62, 45, 48, 5!, 54, bl, till, $8 and 66 to their correct telescoped position relative to the frame In even though variations result in the assembly or the latter owing to inexperience, neglect or incapacity to be limited to the desired accuracy.

It should be appreciated, however, that the body formers it, as, M, 5|, I54, 51, 8d, 63 and 6b are integral and furnished by the factory in their final shape so that the exterior formation of the body will, nevertheless, conform to the desired configuration irrespective of variations in the framework it. This arrangement also enables the speedy building of knockdown structures to 10 in the previously described embodiment. 'The paper tube l0 may be of standard construction conforming with small cardboard mailing tubes now available on the market. Should commercial practice so dictate the circular openings I3 in the body formers M, 52', 68', hi, or, 51', 80', 83', and iii! may be provided with a circumferential series of radial slits 32 so that they may be readily displaced over the tube ill to occupy indexed positions inscribed thereon such as a mark it that may be suitably numbered to correspond with the corresponding identifying marks on the body formers 6|, t2, 3b, so, iii, 56', El, 56', 63' and as'.

The body formers M, d2, to, it, bl, b t, El; 8d and so are provided with a circumferential series of notches to to receive the longerons that are seated therein for adhesive joinder therewith (Figure 22) In this'iustance, the tubular frame it is flattened in the rearward region so to present a converging tail portion I5 which receives the stabilizers and rudder. To this end, the tail portion is is horizontally out as at 16 to present converglngedges which serve to support the stabilizer and rudderthat will described more fully hereinafter. This presei'its a very simple, emcient and inexpensive substitute for the rectangular framework it which is more expensive and conforms substantially to the standard practice of miniature airplane knoclr down. structures.

It should be observed that the body formers M342, &5, se', ti, ti l, iii, Elli, and so are, in this instance, adhesively attached to the tubular frame iii in muchthe same manner as described in connection with the previous em bodiment wherein the body former openings are rectangular to conform with. the correspondingly shaped cross-section of the frame 563. In both embodiments, wings ll are attached in the usual manner with stabilizers it and a rudder it occupying their usual positions for adhesive loiricler to the frame It! or it depending upon the particular type of hollow body structure that is utilized.

In the instance of the wing structure ll, a

great deal of time and labor can be minimized by providing integral wingtips at that are stamped or otherwise shaped from sheet material such as cardboard. The wing tips are substantially of triangular configuration and present an opening Bl for substantially reducing the weight of the wing tip and imparts better balance thereto. The wing tips at are adhesively joined to the leading edge 82 and the trailing edge 83 of the wing H. A plurality of wing formers 84 extends between the leading and trailing edges 82d3 for connection thereto.

Transverse ribs 85 and 88 extend irom end to end for reception in notched cut-outs ti and 8&3 provided in the bottom edge 88 of the wing formers 84. These are reinforced by braces extending diagonally between the wing formers I 84 and the transverse ribs 85-88 so that there define the limits of accuracy without entailing any appreciable time, experience or care.

In the modified embodiment shown in Figures 20 to 24 inclusive, the body formers 6|, 42, 45',

. 48', 5|, 54', Ml, 6d, 63' and 56' are provided is sufllcient framework for a skin or covering to be applied thereover. The stabilizer it is provided with an integral exterior peripheral rim 9| stamped or otherwise shaped from sheet material such as cardboard to assume the desired configuration thereof. A transverse rib 92 extends between the extreme edges 83-% of the rim 18 for unlocked engagement with confronting spaced formers 95 serving as a framework for the skin or cover. a

The rudder 19 is similarly formed by providing to said former elements to define a body of a an integral peripheral rim 86 stamped or otherwise shaped from sheet material to receive a confronting cross-ribs 8'! and or which extends between the extreme edges some of the rim 88, there being a plurality of confronting spaced formers Hi6 internotched therewith for adhesive joinder to both surfaces of the rim 98 (Figure 15) The former ribs and braces of the wing 11, stabilizer it and rudder is may be stamped or otherwise shaped from sheet material such as cardboard, paper, balsam wood or applied thereto depending upon the dictates of commercial practice.

Various changes may be made in the embodiment of the invention herein specifically described without departing from the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages or features thereof, and nothing herein shall be construed as a limitation of the invention, its .concept or structural embodiment as to the whole or any part thereof except as defined in the appended cirdms.

I claim:

1. In a toy airplane structure and the like, the

combination with a rigid elongated member to define the tubular frame of a structure, of enclosed former elements having openings therethrough conforming substantially with the crosssectlonal shape of said tubular frame which is received therethrough and frictionally retained thereon to support said former elements in prearranged spaced relation with said tubular frame, and longeron ribs adhesively joined to said former elements to define a body of any selected contour.

2. In a toy airplane structure and the like, the

combination with a rigid elongated'member to 4 define the frame of a structure; of a plurality of enclosed former elements having openings therethrough conforming substantially with the cross-sectional shape of said frame, the opening in each of said former elements corresponding substantially to the cross-section of said frame which is received therethrough and frictionally positioned therealong intermediate the length thereof to support said former elements in prearranged spaced relation, and longeron ribs adhesively joined to said former elements to define 'a body of any selected contour.

3. In a toy airplane structure and the like, the combination with a rigid elongated member to define the frame of a structure, of enclosed former elements having openings therethrough conforming substantially with the cross-sectional shape of said frame which is received therethrough to support said former elements in proarranged spaced relation, means provided adjacent said former openings to render the latter adjustable to the exact cross-sectional size of said frame, and longeronribs adhesively joined any selected contour.

4. In a toy airplane structure and the like, the

combination with a rigid elongated member to define the frame of a structure, of enclosed form,- er elements having openings therethrough conforming substantially with the cross-sectional shape of said'frame, the opening in each of said former elements corresponding substantially to the cross-section of said frame which is received therethrough to support said former elements in pro-arranged spaced relation, means provided adjacent said former openings to render the latter adjustable to the exact cross-sectional size of said frame, and longeron ribs adheaively Joined to said former elements to define a body of any selected contour.

5. In a toy airplane structure and the like the combination with a rigid elongated member to define the frame of a structure, of enclosed former elements having openings therethrough conforming substantially with. the cross-sectional shape of-sald frame which is received there through to support said former elements in prearranged spaced' relation, slits provided in said former elements to communicate with the openings therein to render the latter adjustable to the exact cross-sectional size of said frame, and longeron ribs adhesively Joined to said former elements to define a body of any selected contour.

6. In a toy airplane structure and the like, the combination with a rigid elongated member to define the frame of a structure, of enclosed former elements having openings therethrough conforming substantially with the cross-sectional shape of said frame, the opening in each of said former elements corresponding substantially to the cross-section of said frame which is received therethrough to support said former elements in pie-arranged spaced relation, means provided adjacent said former openings to render the latter adjustable to the exact cross-sectional size of said frame, slits provided in said former elements to communicate with the openings therein to render the latter adjustable to the exact crosssectional size of said frame, and longeron ribs adhesively joined to said former elements to define a body of any selected contour.

7. In a toy airplane structure and the like, the combination with a rigid elongated member to define the frame of a structure, of enclosed former elements having rectangular openings therethrough conforming substantially with the crosssectional shape of said frame which is received therethrough to support said former elements in pre-arranged spaced relation, diagonal slits provided in said former elements to communicate with the corners of the rectangular openings therein to render the latter adjustable to the exact cross-sectional size of said frame, and iongeron ribs adhesively joined to said former elements to define a body of any selected contour.

8. In a toy airplane structure and the like, the combination with a.v rigid elongated member to define the frame of a structure, of enclosed former elements having rectangular openings therethrough conformlng substantially with the crosssectional shape of said frame, the opening in each of said former elements corresponding substantially to the cross-section of said frame which is received therethrough to support said former elements in pre-arranged spaced relation, diagonal slits provided in said former elements to communicate with the corners of the rectangular openingstherein to render the latter adjustable to the exact cross-sectional size of said frame, and longeron ribs adhesively joined to said former elements to define a bddy of any selected contour.

9. Tubular body forming elements comprising a solid sheet of material having an exterior peripheral shape substantially corresponding with the cross-sectional shape of the resultant body at spaced points along the body frame, there being an opening in said forming elements to receive the body frame therethrough for frictional positioning at predetermined points therealong.

10. A body forming element comprising a solid sheet of material having an exterior peripheral shape substantially corresponding with the shape of the resultant body, therebeing' an opening in said forming element to receive a frame therethrough for frictionai'positloning thereon, and means on said forming element adjacent said opening to render the latter adjustable to the exact cross-sectional size of said frame,

11. A body forming element comprising a solid sheet of material having an exterior peripheral shape substantially; corresponding with the shape of the resultant hody, there being an opening in said forming element to receive a frame 'tlierethrough for frictional positioning thereon, said opening having slits provided in said forming element to communicate with the opening therein to render the latter adjustable to the exact crosssectional size of said frame.

12. A body forming element comprising a solid sheet of material having an exterior peripheral shape substantially corresponding with the shape of the resultant body, a rectangular opening in said formingelement to receive a frame therethrough for frictional positioning thereon, diargonal slits provided in said forming element to communicate with the corners of said rectangular opening therein to render the latter adjustable to the exact cross-sectional size of said frame.

- JGSEPH S. O'I'I. 

